The latest news stories in the Klamath Basin and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, BasinLife.com and The Herald & News.
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Monday A 50% chance of showers during the day with a high near 60. Overnight, a 30% chance of showers. Snow level 8100 feet lowering to 6000 feet after midnight . Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Tuesday A 30% chance of showers, mainly after 11AM, with a high of 59. Snow level 5500.
Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 72.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 78.
Yesterday, Klamath County Public Health announced two new cases of Coronavirus in Klamath county. The two new cases bring the total number of cases to 51. As of Sunday June 14th, there are 11 active cases. Out of the total number of cases, 40 have already recovered.
The first case of Coronavirus was reported in Klamath County 99 days ago, according to Klamath County Public Health. Public health officials remind people to follow the following precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19:
Maintain six feet of social or physical distancing between yourself and others. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, utilizing hand sanitizer when washing facilities are not available. Cover coughs and sneezes and stay home when sick. And know how and when a properly worn face covering may be used when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Out of the total number of confirmed cases in the county, 32 of them have been women and 19 have been men. Sunday, there were no other new cases of Coronavirus across the southern Oregon or northern California region.
COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 176, the Oregon Health Authority reported early Monday morning. Oregon Health Authority reported 101 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 5,636.
The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (10), Columbia (1), Klamath (3), Lane (1), Lincoln (8), Linn (1), Malheur (2), Marion (20), Morrow (1), Multnomah (32), Umatilla (1), Union (8), Washington (13).
Oregon’s 175th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on May 13 and died on June 8, at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.
Oregon’s 176th COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old woman in Washington County, who tested positive on May 4 and died on June 8, at Portland Providence Medical Center. She did not have underlying medical conditions.
A large group of protesters gathered at the Klamath Commons in downtown Klamath Falls Sunday to take a stand against police brutality.
Sunday’s march followed two weeks of protests in both Klamath Falls and throughout the country and the world that were sparked by the May 25 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Various small protests have occurred in downtown Klamath Falls over the course of the past two weeks, specifically involving locals supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
Over the last two weeks there have been numerous instances where the people of Klamath County have sought to express their appreciation for the hard work of the entire team at the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.
In a prepared statement, the sheriff’s department wanted to take a moment to say thank you and express that they are always overwhelmed at the tremendous support we have in the community. A few of the items they have received recently include flowers, donuts from a teenage boy, many phone calls of encouragement, a sack of oranges, coffee cards from a little girl and her grandmother and hand sanitizer. These are difficult times locally, across the state, and across the nation.
The sheriff’s office says they certainly understand there are many diverse opinions throughout our community. It is their sincere hope that everyone continues to express these opinions in ways that do credit to their cause, while respecting the rights of everyone, and do so in a safe manner.
Each year the members of the Klamath County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse and the Family of the late Klamath County Sheriff, James Murray “Red” Britton award a $500 scholarship.
This year’s scholarship was awarded to Makaila Heath who is attending University of Texas, according to a news release. On Friday, Klamath County Sheriff Chris Kaber, along with Mounted Sheriff Posse Members Judi Dunn and Kelly Baker, and Britton family members, Bill Britton and Mike Britton, presented Makaila’s grandfather Shaun Tooker with the check.
To be eligible for the James Murray “Red” Britton Memorial Scholarship, applicants must be a relative, child or child in guardianship, of a Klamath County Sheriff’s Office employee (active or retired) or an active Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer. Be a current graduating year high school senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Be attending college, community college, or vocational technology program of an accredited institution and should be an active volunteer in the community, school, or other civic organizations.
A long-abandoned scenic viewpoint overlooking Upper Klamath Lake will be the subject of a walking history tour to be offered Saturday, by the Klamath County Museum.
The Algoma viewpoint provided stunning views of the Cascade Mountain range when it was constructed in the 1920s on what was then known as The Dalles-California Highway.
The vista from a rocky outcrop known as Rattlesnake Point was largely forgotten after 1951, when a new segment of Highway 97 was constructed at the bottom of the hill. Though rarely visited, the viewpoint still offers striking views.
The walk will also include discussion of the history of the nearby Algoma Lumber Co. site and the unique railroad logging system used by the company.
The walk will be physically challenging, and is not recommended for anyone with limited mobility. Participants will have to walk through brush and climb a steep hill for about 200 yards to reach the viewpoint.
Because of limited parking space, the walk is limited to 20 participants. Those interested are asked to call the Klamath County Museum at 541-882-1000 to reserve a spot and obtain details on the meeting place.
KLAMATH COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MAJOR WORK FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 15, 2020
Klamath County and/or other agencies will have work crews at the following locations. Please use caution when in these areas and watch for flaggers. If you are able to avoid the work zones, please use an alternate route for your safety and the safety of Klamath County employees and our contractors.
City of Klamath Falls (Contractor) – Waterline Work Shasta Way/Derby Street/Dayton Street
South Suburban Sanitary District (Contractor) – Sanitary Sewer Pipe Repairs Various locations in Klamath Falls Suburban Area
Misc. Railroad Work on County Road Crossings (includes Weekend Work) Malone Road
Safety Upgrades at County Road/OC&E Trail Crossings Homedale Road – rapid reflective flashing beacon, signs and crosswalks Madison Street – rapid reflective flashing beacon, signs and crosswalks
Homedale Sidewalk Replacement/Asphalt Inlay (Contractor) Lane Closures with Flagging starting June 22, 2020
Crack Seal & Asphalt Patching Misc. County Roads – to prepare for summer 2020 Chip Seals
In general, flagging stations will be set up at the end of the work zone and delays will be 0 to 20 minutes for the motoring public. Our goal is to minimize the delay to the motoring public. Other minor work is occurring through the County but we are only listing the major items in this announcement. There may be adjustments of work schedules due to weather or other items outside of the County’s control (breakdown of equipment, material/resource availability, etc.) Please do not contact the County if you do not see work occurring, it could be finished already or will be rescheduled.
Klamath County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners appreciate the motoring publics’ patience during the repair season for our local roads and bridges. If you have any questions regarding work, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 883-4696.
Construction crews have been at work on the foundation of a new affordable housing project in Klamath Falls, the Sunrise Vista Apartments.
The 58-unit complex will feature 22 one-bedroom units, 18 two-bedroom units and 18 three-bedroom units on Homedale Road past Brixner Junior High School. The project broke ground at the end of April, according to Klamath Housing Authority Director Diana Otero, and KHA hopes people can move on June 1 of next year. The $8 million KHA project is a low-income housing complex for which residents can’t make more than 60% of the area’s median income to live there. Otero said they plan to open the waiting list in February or March, and people can apply online for a unit. Sunrise Vista is under construction next to Sky Meadows, which opened to residents in October of 2018.
The Klamath County School District will continue its popular meal delivery program all summer, through Aug. 31 to ensure youth throughout the county receive needed food during the summer months.
The schedule includes more than 40 delivery sites. Youth ages 1-18 are able to pick up the free meals – three breakfasts and three lunches — on Tuesdays and Fridays. See the schedule below.
The school district implemented its grab-and-go meal program after schools closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. School bus drivers, paraprofessionals, cooks, and food service workers teamed up to make and deliver breakfasts and lunches to youth at more than 40 bus stops and sites throughout the county. As of June 3, the district had provided more than 114,000 meals.
The school district is working with the Klamath Hungry Child Coalition, Integral Youth Services, and the Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank to ensure youth throughout the entire community have access to food.
Since March, the local food bank has seen a 70 percent increase in need as a result of layoffs from the economic impact of the pandemic. Integral Youth Services also is providing meals for youth this summer, focusing on their efforts on city neighborhoods.
Around the state
Protesters this weekend toppled two long-standing pioneer statues on the University of Oregon campus.
The statues have a history tied to the celebration of white conquest in some people’s opinion, and some students had renewed calls for their removal against a backdrop of international protests against racism and police brutality. A small group of protesters knocked the statues off their pedestals. One was dragged to the steps of Johnson Hall, the university administration building. In a statement, the university said the statue’s future should be determined “through an inclusive and deliberative process, not a unilateral act of destruction.”
The university also said a campus committee had been asked to look into whether the statues and other monuments should be removed, adding the statues will be placed in storage during the process.
A-A-R-P Oregon wants families with loved ones in nursing homes to consider asking more questions when working with facilities.
Residents of long-term care facilities are one group known to be at higher risk from the new coronavirus. As of mid-April, more than half of COVID-19 deaths in Oregon originated in these facilities. Volunteer State President of A-A-R-P Oregon Elaine Friesen-Strang says that’s why it’s important to know where the virus is.
Friesen-Strang says families should know if a resident, staff member or vendor at the facility has tested positive for COVID-19. She says facilities also need to keep families connected through virtual visits, since in-person meetings have been halted for now and many residents are feeling isolated.
Beaverton-based Nike is making Juneteenth a company-wide paid holiday. Nike informed its workers of the decision Thursday, which will be annual starting this year.
June 19th is the day commemorating the end of slavery in America. Nike’s CEO also told employees the company hasn’t consistently supported or celebrated its black teammates and “this needs to change.”
On Saturday, June 13, at approximately 7:24 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded a two vehicle collision on Hwy 101 near milepost 208.
Preliminary Investigation indicated that a Volkswagen Rabbit, operated by Stevie Shuey (29) of Pleasanton, CA. was northbound and crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a Hyundai Genesis operated by Michael Lindsay (69) of North Bend.
Shuey was transported by Life Flight to the hospital.
Lindsay sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The passenger in the Hyundai, Erica Billingslea (33) of Coos Bay, was transported to the hospital with injuries.
Troopers are investigating DUII by Shuey and are asking anyone who might have witnessed any poor driving to call Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 and leave information for Trooper Dunlap.
OSP was assisted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Reedsport Police Department, Gardiner Fire Department, Reedsport Fire Department, Winchester Bay Fire Department, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, ODOT, and Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains.
On Saturday, June 14, at approximately 2:42 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 20E at the intersection of Powell Butte Hwy.
Preliminary investigation revealed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Richie Masters (34) of Bend, was eastbound on Hwy 20E waiting to turn northbound onto Powell Butte Hwy. A Ford Econoline van, operated by Edward Robinson (59) of Bend, was eastbound on Hwy 20E also intending to turn northbound onto Powell Butte Hwy and hit the Jeep Cherokee from behind.
Robinson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Passengers in the Ford, Markus Mastrud (62) of Bend and Owen Leinweber (54) of Bend, were transported to the hospital with serious injuries – Amy Bell (40) of Bend was not injured.
Masters and his two passengers Pamela Radabaugh (31) of Bend and a male juvenile were not transported by emergency personnel.
Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.
Failure to use seat belts is believed to be a factor in the injuries.
OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Police Department, Bend Fire Department, and ODOT.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum announces its reopening Monday under Oregon/Yamhill County Phase 2 guidelines, with extra precautions in place to help ensure the safety and peace of mind of our customers and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
In addition to enhanced cleaning protocols implemented in March, plastic shields have been installed at admissions and retail locations as well as physical distancing floor decals, circulation is one direction where applicable and Museum Members enter through a dedicated lane. Group admissions and guided tours are limited in size, and guests are strongly encouraged to wear face masks.
Executive Director John Rasmussen says “We’re excited to enter Phase 2, and to offer people an affordable entertainment option as Oregon emerges from months of isolation. We think the significantly reduced admission price of $20 per person and our expansive indoor exhibit spaces will encourage guests to safely visit the Museum, and all that McMinnville has to offer.”
Visit the Museum website www.evergreenmuseum.org for detailed information about which areas of the Museum have been affected by COVID-related guidelines.
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